Call Me Miss Margilocks
July 28th, 2008 @ 2:51 pm by Mrs. Margarita
My love for photography started in my high school photo class and has been with me ever since. So naturally when we started planning for the wedding, I went on a mad hunt to find a photographer that blew me away. Turns out there are some seriously fabulous photographers in the LA area, but for some seriously expensive prices. A lot of my cost issues were because I needed a photographer for about 14-16 hours. Brown ceremonies are long and we like to party. Or maybe that’s just my family. 
I felt like Goldilocks during my photographer search - they were too expensive, too posed, or too typical. There were also times when I liked their work, but it just didn’t feel right for some reason. Then I found Dina Douglass of Andrena Photo. Ahhh just right (for me anyway). Her work featured vibrant colors, great perspective and she was very familiar with South Asian culture. Dina even offers photography packages for South Asian brides that factor in the long hours. Not to mention the fact that she writes long, witty emails.
Her mad skills grace the latest Grace Ormonde Wedding Style. The photos are from a breathtaking wedding she shot in Udaipur, India a few months ago.
I’ve never seen such beautiful mendhi
I thought an elephant was a lot, I never even considered a fire eater!
Did anyone else have that “just right” moment when choosing a photographer?
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14 Responses to “Call Me Miss Margilocks”
I am limited in my choices, since my venue has a list of photographers that you have to use, but I really like the two I narrowed it down to. I really want to get some amazing pictures of our family. BTW, those pictures in your post are amazing.
Finding my photog was easy… my sis recommended one of her close friends, and I love her style, very candid. It was funny though, we went to a wedding show in which my photog’s company had a booth, and one of my FH old school mates was working the booth… well she obviously knew my photog but she also knew my sister from way back in the day.
Now finding a cinematographer when I wasn’t even looking for one took the cake. I can’t wait to see the results of both!
i absolutely LOVE your photographer!!
OMG … is that a snake charmer and cobra???
OMG! I’m actually getting married IN India, and we considered THAT hotel for our venue, but chose to go with something a little more budget friendly instead, and that the FH’s whole Nepali family, who lives in West Bengal, could make it to.
Anyways, we had a heck of a time finding a photographer who would travel to the little Himalayan town in Darjeeling where we’ve decided to tie the knot. I don’t think our pictures are going to be quite sooo x 100 fabulous, but we’ve found a photojournalist based in Kolkata whose charging us around $1000 for one and a half days of photography WITH an assistant and a little bit of video. SWEET.
Anyways, I can’t wait to see your photos, they’re going to be breathtaking. And of course marying an Indian Nepali means I’m obsessed with South Asian extravaganzas!
WOW, her pics are Phenomenal!
That’s me! Thanks for all the compliments, which are all attributed to Dina’s talent! i totally had that moment when i found Dina’s website and was absoultely thrilled when she accepted. I had butterflies in my stomach because i knew she was the perfect blend of talent, skill, eye, determination, knowledge, professionalism and intelligence, My husband and I were very happy wth Dina and know you will be too! Congratulations and best of luck!
@KateMW: who are the two you are choosing between? One is Meg Baisden, right? I had SUCH trouble finding good local photogs when we were considering the Seaside/Grayton/Sandestin area!
Margarita, these pics are all fantastic. The colors in South Asian weddings are amazing!
@MissCamera: I totally know what you are going through - it took me months to find Dina. It’ll happen though 
@McG: Thats awesome that you found both just like that! Once I finally chose Dina, I stumbled across my videographer just like that too. Don’t you just love when wedding decisions are cut and dry?
@Linzerella: It is! Haha
@ustwiggie: That is a sweet deal! I’m sure your pictures will be gorgeous and the surroundings are going to be an amazing backdrop.
@tara nyack: I’m so glad that you had such a great experience with Dina. The pictures definitely speak for her talent. Also, I have to say that youand your husband looked absolutely gorgeous in these photos!
Gah! I just discovered Dina myself through a photographers forum. I want to be just like her!
DINA IS FAB! I just recently got married and hired Dina at the last minute. I first met her back in January. Unfortunately, I went against every fiber of my being and hired some other retard (who will stay anonymous)… Anyway, THANK GOD I came to my senses 3 weeks before the wedding, and THANK GOD again, that Dina was actually available… talk about meant to be…
She is so talented, witty, charming, smart, and it all comes through her pictures. She takes every picture, as if it was her last. She made us comfortable, and actually added to the wedding day in a way I didn’t understand a photographer would. When we got our pictures in the mail, we were just in shock. Every picture… and I mean EVERY picture… was perfect. We are now struggling with narrowing down our choices for the albums.
Anyway, I was lucky enough to wise up before my wedding and now understand:
a) photos are the only thing you will have left from the day.. the flowers, the food, entertainment, etc will all be gone within a couple of hours.
b) You get what you pay for. I totally understand budgets, but I think this is where you need to say to yourself “Will I be happy with these picture when everything is said and done?” At the end, I had to make some sacrifices in the flowers and little tiny things, but nobody noticed (I hoped) and I will have a work of art as an album.
I will recommend Dina to anyone who will listen… She is such an amazing person, and it comes through her pictures…
Miss Margarita, Boston/Los Angeles
Age and Occupation: 26, Healthcare Consultant
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Doctor
Engagement Date: March 21, 2007
Wedding Date: August, 2008
Blogging Since: June 18, 2008
Venue: Saddlerock Ranch
About Me: I grew up in Southern California, moved to Boston for college, New York for grad school, back to Boston and now I travel the northeast every week for work. When I'm not on the go, I love to read, draw, shop, sleep and spend quality time with my fiancé, family and friends. We're long-distance planning for our "big fat brown wedding" in California and are excited to unite our Sri Lankan and Indian cultures and Buddhist and Hindu religions in a unique and modern way.
I too have had a love of photography since HS Photo. Unfortunately I’m running into the same problems you mentioned. Maybe I’m just a photo snob, but the only photogs I seem to like are WAY out of my budget. I have yet to find my “just right” photographer. But your photos are sure to be amazing!